Jeffrey Salazar
Possums are omnivores, consuming both plant and animal matter. They are known to be scavengers with a diverse diet, including fruits, vegetables, small animals, and even roadkill. Possums are also known to eat cat food, dog food, and human food like eggs, applesauce, and baby food. However, it is crucial to maintain a balanced diet for possums to prevent health issues. The National Opossum Society has published diet recommendations based on studies of wild opossums, and it is important to be cautious of the varying and sometimes detrimental dietary advice available online. Possum diets should be carefully considered to ensure the health and well-being of these adaptable and resilient creatures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cal/Phos ratio | Higher calcium and lower phosphorus |
| Food items with ideal calcium and phosphorus ratios | Dairy products, some nuts |
| Food items with poor calcium and phosphorus ratios | Pears, rutabagas, cherries, cucumbers, strawberries, guavas, apricots, beets, cantaloupe, blueberries, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, squash, parsnips, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, peaches, carrots, asparagus, bananas, plums, yams, tomatoes, peas, corn, mushrooms, fish, meat |
| Food items to avoid | Red meat, poultry, eggs, kitten chow, dog chow, canned cat food, chicken, other meats, excessive amounts of apple sauce, human baby cereals, or foods, chlorinated water |
| Food items to include | Fruits, Vegetables, native leaves, Flowers, Insects, small animals, lizards, berries, bird eggs, fledglings, bread, eucalyptus leaves, select shrubs, herbs, blossoms, native plants, seeds, nuts |
| Diet in captivity | Dog food, moving up to low-fat versions by the time they reach 5-6 months of age and then onto senior dog kibble once they reach the age of 1 year |
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What You'll Learn
Calcium and phosphorous ratios
Possums should ideally consume twice as much calcium as they do phosphorus. When there is more phosphorus than calcium in their system, the body draws on the calcium stored in its bones, which can lead to reduced bone mass, making bones brittle and fragile. This condition is known as Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD). MBD can also lead to gum and tooth problems.
To prevent MBD, a possum's diet should be higher in calcium and lower in phosphorus. Some foods that are high in calcium include low or non-fat yoghurt, kale, cabbage, collard greens, bok choy, and eggs with finely chopped shells. It is important to note that while these foods are high in calcium, they are also high in phosphorus. Therefore, it is recommended to balance out meals that are high in phosphorus with foods that have a higher ratio of calcium. For example, while pears, cucumbers, strawberries, and carrots are high in phosphorus, they can be balanced out with high-calcium foods.
It is important to be cautious when supplementing a possum's diet with calcium, as too much calcium can also be detrimental to their health. It is always best to consult with a veterinarian, experienced rehabilitator, or the Opossum Society of the United States (OSUS) for advice and dietary recommendations.
In addition to calcium and phosphorus ratios, it is important to ensure that a possum's diet is not too high in protein or fruit. Possums can eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, but it is recommended to stay within a reasonable balance. Some people feed their possums dog food, while others offer a combination of fruits, vegetables, and eggs.
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Natural foods
It is important to maintain a balanced diet for possums, with the right mix of calcium, protein, vitamins, and other nutrients. Possums are prone to heart disease, so it is best to avoid red meat, which is high in saturated fats. Pork, beef, lamb, and venison should be excluded from their diet.
Fruits and vegetables are a healthy option for possums. Possums can eat apples, bananas, squash, and other fruits and vegetables. It is important to avoid alliums and green potatoes, as these can be harmful. Some possums may also enjoy fruit and nut mixes.
Eggs are another good source of nutrition for possums, providing both protein and calcium. However, eggshells should be avoided, as they are extremely high in calcium and can lead to kidney stones or other health issues if consumed frequently.
Yogurt is another food that some possums enjoy and can be offered in small amounts. Possums can also eat dog food, but it is recommended to choose holistic, organic brands and opt for low-fat versions for younger possums.
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Fruits and vegetables
Possums are opportunistic feeders with a varied diet that includes fruits and vegetables. They are primarily herbivores and will eat a variety of plant matter. Possums like to eat sweet things, but these should be limited. A possum's diet must maintain an equal balance of calcium, protein, and vitamins A and D to ward off metabolic bone disease.
Fruits that possums enjoy include apples, pears, berries, bananas, squash, papaya, blueberries, cranberries, and grapes. However, it is important to note that grapes and raisins have been associated with kidney failure in dogs, and the effect on possums is unknown, so it may be best to avoid feeding these to possums.
When it comes to vegetables, possums have been observed consuming tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, carrots, and sweet potatoes. Some people prefer to feed their possums raw vegetables, while others lightly steam them to retain nutrients. It is important to avoid feeding possums avocados, as these contain a toxin called persin, which can be harmful.
In addition to fruits and vegetables, possums also eat flowers, nectar, pollen, birdseed, nuts, and insects. They are known to have a high tolerance for venom and can eat highly toxic leaves.
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Insects and meat
When it comes to meat, it is important to note that red meat should be avoided as it contains 20 times more phosphorus than calcium. Poultry should also be limited as it contains 10 times more phosphorus than calcium. Instead, lean meats such as chicken or fish can be fed in moderation, ensuring that the overall diet is higher in calcium and lower in phosphorus.
In addition to insects and meat, possums also consume fruits, vegetables, and grains. A balanced diet for a possum should include a variety of foods to ensure they are getting the proper nutrition. Possums are known to scavenge for food, so it is important to secure garbage bins and remove any pet food left outside to prevent them from accessing unhealthy foods.
When feeding a captive possum, it is recommended to incorporate natural items that they may eat in the wild, such as edible flowers, leaves, and weeds. Dog food, preferably low-fat and grain-free, can also be included in their diet. It is important to note that excessive consumption of any one food type can lead to nutritional deficiencies, so variety is key.
Overall, a balanced diet for a possum should include a variety of insects and meat, as well as other food sources, to ensure they are getting the necessary nutrients, especially calcium.
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Commercial food
When it comes to commercial food, it is important to remember that possums are not picky eaters. They are attracted to sweet foods, such as fresh fruit, pieces of apple, jam, and peanut butter. Possums can also be lured by fish or apples. However, it is crucial to maintain a balanced diet for possums, especially when it comes to calcium and phosphorus ratios. While some commercial pet food companies may claim to offer complete possum food, it is important to carefully read the labels and ensure that the food is not too high in protein or naturally sourced vitamins A and D, as this can be dangerous for possums.
One option for commercial food is to use dog food, moving up to low-fat versions as the possum grows older, and then onto senior dog kibble once it reaches the age of one year. It is important to opt for organic and holistic brands whenever possible. Another option is to use cat food, but it should be noted that cat food is typically high in protein, so it should be fed in restricted amounts. Possums can also eat canned cat food, but it is generally recommended to avoid canned or commercially cooked/processed vegetables.
Some commercial foods to avoid include chicken or other meats, kitten chow, dog chow, eggs, and human baby cereals or foods. Large quantities of fruit can also make possums sick, and they should not be fed chlorinated water. While possums can eat bananas, they should be avoided in large quantities. It is also important to note that possums are susceptible to parasites from eating natural foods, so it is important to provide clean, fresh, and healthy commercial food options whenever possible.
Overall, when feeding commercial food to possums, it is crucial to carefully read labels, avoid foods that are high in protein or certain vitamins, and provide a balanced diet with the proper calcium and phosphorus ratios. Possum carers should also be aware that possums can be lured by certain foods and may develop a preference for them, which can lead to laziness in foraging for food.
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